Dry and sunny spells are predicted for much of the country on Friday as high pressure builds.

What the forecasters say

Forecaster Hannah Findley, of The Weather Channel, said: “There will be a brief drop in temperatures, with the lowest in the UK on Thursday, as low pressure currently affecting the British Isles drifts eastwards drawing in a cold northerly or north-westerly flow.

“There will be moderate to fresh winds at times, making it feel colder.

“Taking into account air temperature and wind speeds, it will feel near or below zero in most of the British Isles on Thursday.

“However, it is forecast to be dry and sunny in the high pressure.

“This will lead to settled, clearer conditions, with bright sunshine during the day, and cold overnight temperatures.”

From Friday temperatures will rise once more in a south-easterly flow.

The warmest day will be Saturday with maximum temperatures 2 to 4C above normal for the time of year - possibly reaching 17C in the south and east of England.​